Blog
Kissed by Fire 🔥
From Brunette to Bold: Documenting the Redhead Transformation with Slunks
Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating on a unique creative project with Cardiff-based alternative hair salon Slunks and my talented friend and creative director, Paul Stoyle. Together, we worked on a portrait series that followed three people as they underwent a bold transformation—from their natural hair colour to striking shades of red and ginger.
Paul Stoyle making sure everything is running smoothly in Slunks, Cardiff
The concept was simple but powerful: take classic, clean portraits of each person before any dye touched their hair, then document the transformation process as the artists at Slunks worked their magic. Over the course of a few hours, we captured not just the final result, but the in-between moments too. Dyes, snips and shaves, smiles in the mirror.
I love shooting documentary-style photography like this. It’s so fun capturing people mid-process. Where change is happening, where emotional responses happen in real time. These moments carry a kind of raw honesty and playfulness that you don’t always get with more polished shoots.
Colorissimo hair products were the weapon of choice by the Slunks team (https://www.colorissimo.co.uk/)
Slunks are known for their bold approach to colour, and they didn’t hold back here. Each person ended up with a totally different take on the redhead theme—one copper, one fiery orange, one rich auburn. It was fascinating to watch how each shade changed the mood and personality of the portraits. The hair wasn’t just an accessory; it shifted the whole vibe.
The Slunks team put the Colorissimo hair dye into Morgan Dowdall’s locks
Chelsea and Morgan check out the finished hairdo
This series is just the start. Over the next few weeks, the subjects will be documenting their journeys as newly minted redheads, sharing how they adapt to the colour, how it’s received, and how it makes them feel.
Whether you're looking for creative portrait photography, documentary-style photography, or something a little offbeat, I love projects like this that blend fashion, identity, and transformation. Big thanks to the Slunks team for their energy and expertise, and to Paul for dreaming this up and bringing me on board.
Project contributors:
Creative Director: Paul Stoyle (https://www.instagram.com/poylestoyle/)
Models: James Paine (@jamesinpaine), Morgan Dowdall (@mdoodlee), William Delves ( @knit_happens_with_will)
Salon: Slunks (https://www.slunks.com/, @slunks)
Stylists: Tyrone Davies (@tyronedavies) , Oli Tracey (@oli.tracey), Chelsea Thompson ( @chelsea3991)
Video: @eyesopenmediauk
Want to collaborate or like the work? Get in touch below or follow and message on Instagram.
25 Years at the Hay Festival - the centre of Wales’ Literary Heart
For a quarter of a century, Hay Festival has been an ironclad fixture of my family's calendar. Every year at the end of May, we've piled into a tent, and later an Airbnb, and spent seven days exploring the quaint cottage shops, meandering alleys, and enormous selection of secondhand bookshops in this beautiful Welsh border town.
This year, I brought my camera along to document not just the festival atmosphere, but the charming streets and characters that make Hay-on-Wye so photogenic.
Our favourite cottage to stay at- 30 minutes from Hay-on-Wye
Capturing the Festival Atmosphere
Of course, the main reason we're here is to look at, read, and listen to people talk about books. Hay Festival attracts authors, scientists, public intellectuals, philosophers, politicians, and literary enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Earnest bookworms don their wellies and raincoats to listen to speakers debate and discuss, huddled under huge white marquees. The crowd politely ignores the gusts of wind rattling the exposed scaffolding, the gentle shushes of parents to young children, and the muted applause emanating from neighboring tents.
Science greats like Richard Dawkins and Sir Roger Penrose appear regularly, while children’s literary superstars such as Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, and Julia Donaldson draw devoted crowds.
Overcast skies and blustery winds don’t put off the dedicated readers, who recline in the hammocks set up on the festival site.
Street Photography in Hay-on-Wye
The attendees are a remarkably consistent bunch, making for excellent character studies. It can be a challenge to spot my spectacled, grey-bearded professor father in the hustle and bustle of similar-looking academics. Tilley hats, Patagonia raincoats, and practical walking boots dominate the festival fashion, while various models of outdoor sandals complete the look.
Marshals corral people into various marquees amongst the hustle and bustle of Hay Festival
These are people with disposable income, and the town has flourished as a result. Beautiful artists' shops, retailers of rare books, sellers of local Welsh food and locally roasted coffee all thrive in what would otherwise be a tiny market town. The contrast between the literary crowds and the ancient Welsh architecture creates compelling photographic compositions.
There’s always a great range of musicians busking in the town, keeping the energy up on grey days.
The wobbly canvas of the festival tents contrast with the solid, planted, old masonry and brick buildings of Hay town, which is situated below the beautiful 12th century Hay Castle.
Mother and daughter shelter from the rain.
A Growing Family Tradition
Our family has changed over these 25 years too. Where once four came, now seven and a half are here. My brother and I have partners, and I have a young son who digs in mud patches between lectures. Tom Holland's insights on Roman emperors were completely lost on him, but the appeal of muddy puddles remains universal. My brother Jack has a child on the way, so next year our festival family grows even larger.
Jack and Beth snooze in the sun
These generational changes make for wonderful documentary photography opportunities, capturing how family traditions evolve and continue.
Pap and the boy enjoy a packed lunch on a log, outside Hay Festival.
Photography and Literary Heritage
As our parents brought us here, instilling habits of reading, curiosity, and intellectual engagement, I hope our sons will continue this tradition, perhaps bringing their own children one day. There's something magical about photographing this continuity against the backdrop of Hay's timeless book-lined streets.
For now, it's a yearly week of creative inspiration. Time with family, fresh Welsh air, and a chance to exercise both intellectual and photographic muscles. The combination of literary culture and stunning Welsh border countryside provides endless opportunities for photography, or most often, enjoying a coffee with loved ones (thanks The Old Electric Shop) .
Rara and the boy share an apple.
Planning Next Year's Photography
Next year is already in the diary, and I'm looking forward to it before this week is even over. Hopefully, this time next year the boy will be a little more independent and I’ll ahve a bit more free reign to roam around and photograph. But this year, just hanging out and taking the odd snapshot has scratched an itch. Perhaps an off season solo visit to Hay-on-Wye is needed?
The streets and characters of Hay-on-Wye offer incredible opportunities for documentary and street photography. If you’re a local business looking for photo or video content, drop me a message and we can discuss how we can work together.
The cottage, as night draws in.
Contact me to work together on photo or video projects:
A Wedding at Usk Castle and Tiny Rebel Brewery – Film Photography as a Guest
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the wedding of my lovely friends Amy and Paul Cook-Rogers.
The day unfolded across two brilliant venues: the ancient stonework of Usk Castle and the modern buzz of Tiny Rebel Brewery. It was a wedding full of contrast—sunshine and shadow, vows and dancing, and for me, digital-free photography with a couple of old film cameras in my pocket.
Me! Standing in front of Usk Castle gates
A Castle Wedding with Analogue Charm
Usk Castle is a stunning 900-year-old fortress tucked into the Monmouthshire countryside. Guests gathered in the courtyard, the sun sharp and hot for early May. The ceremony took place in a small, beautifully converted barn at the edge of the castle grounds, with wildflowers and timber beams setting the scene.
Shooting Film at a Castle Wedding
Amy, the bride, is a big fan of film and analogue photography. So I came armed with two trusty old machines: my dad’s Praktica BMS 35mm SLR (a sturdy East German camera from the 1980s), and my partner Nicole’s Nikon L135AF, a compact and fun little point-and-shoot from the same era.
With only a couple of rolls of film, I needed to shoot sparingly while still enjoying the celebration, sunshine, great company, and plenty of beer. The goal was staying present to watch our lovely friends get married.
Guests wait for the Wedding Ceremony to begin, in Usk Castle grounds.
From Smoky Bars to Bright Sunlight - Getting Your Film Photography Right
I fired off a few shots on arrival, but quickly realized I had a problem. The roll still in the Praktica had been shot at ISO 1600 for a friend’s dark, smoky gig the week before. The complete opposite of the bright, sun-drenched castle courtyard.
This meant that when it came time to develop the photos, there was a huge risk that the gig photos came out black, or all the wedding photos overexposed and birhgt white/contrasty.
Rather than dwell on camera geekery, I stopped the lens down to f/16, cranked the shutter to 1/1000, and hoped that was enough to keep the exposure manageable. I managed a few quick shots of friends arriving, people laughing in the sun, and then it was time to pocket the cameras as we were ushered into the barn for the ceremony.
Wedding Photography as a Guest
For this wedding, I’m here as a guest.
Of course, any photographer wants to take as many photos as they can, and who can resist taking a few snaps at a wedding? Well dressed people, having fun, in beautiful locations.
If you want to check out some of my wedding photography where I’ve been the official photographer, have a look here: Declan & Rhiannedd’s wedding in Insole Court.
For Amy and Paul’s, the camera went away for the vows and ceremony, and came back out for ice cream and drinks in the sun.
Nicole, my partner, galivanting off after a prosecco.
Free ice cream from Garbanzo’s is a hit.
Tiny Rebel Brewery Reception – Beer, Bands, and 35mm Fun
After ice creams and a few loops around the castle tower (including a surprisingly long cobbled trek to the toilets), the newlyweds climbed into a vintage VW camper van, and we all followed them to the reception at Tiny Rebel Brewery.
Vintage VW camper from Vanity Weddings, ready to collect the bride and groom
From Castle to Brewery: A Modern Welsh Wedding
I’ve been to the brewery before, years ago with my dad and brother. It’s a cool industrial space, with huge windows looking into the working brewery. Fresh cans zip around on conveyor belts tantilisingly.
As guests arrived, staff handed out beer and trays of snacks. Large ice buckets made the rounds and, before long, the place was buzzing.
The camera came out again, though less selectively this time. I shot more freely as the night wore on: guests dancing hard to live folk-rock band The Apple Tree Theory, laughter over speeches, spontaneous hugs, spilled drinks. In the dark, you can never quite predict how your film photos will come out, but that’s half the fun. Blurry, grainy, real photos.
The Apple Tree Theory getting people movin’.
Tearing up the dance floor at Tiny Rebel
The Film Lab Gamble and Final Thoughts
We left late, after sweaty goodbyes and big hugs for Amy and Paul, still glowing from the dance floor. I had three rolls of film in my pocket and absolutely no idea which roll was which. One of them was definitely the ISO 1600 roll from the gig, but I couldn’t remember which (too many beers!).
When I dropped them off at Express Imaging in Cardiff, I asked them to develop both rolls at ISO 800 and crossed my fingers. Some of the shots came out a bit too contrasty or overexposed, but overall I was happy with the results.
My favourite images came from the point-and-shoot. They’re imperfect, spontaneous, sometimes slightly out of focus, but that’s half the fun. They feel like the kind of photos we used to have as kids. Natural, nostalgic, and real. I hope they’re just what Amy was hoping for.
Thinking About Film Wedding Photography?
If you’re planning a wedding and love the look of authentic, analogue photography, I’d love to chat. Shooting film at weddings brings a special kind of warmth and honesty that’s hard to replicate digitally. You can take a look at more of my film and documentary-style work on my website.
Big congratulations again to Amy and Paul, and thanks for letting me capture a few memories along the way.
Emma Watson, political prisoners, and scarves - A Trip to Oxford
Arrival
With a few days’ spare annual leave, Oxford became the destination of choice. Apparently, the place to bump into Emma Watson, meet the sons of political prisoners, and the home of the scarf-wearing elite.
A melody of gentle trings provides a serene backdrop- everyone seems to glide about on vintage bicycles, tasteful totes draped over shoulder, and vintage satchels cinched tight, unruffled by haste or urgency. Sandstone buildings tower above winding streets, which break into parkland and manicured gardens at regular intervals.
The People of Oxford
The people look distinctly English. It’s not what they’re wearing, but instead a subtlety of the features, almost like a regional accent of the face. There’s a bit of the great Ralph Fiennes or Charles Dance hidden in the people’s composition. A small difference from my home on the edge of the valleys of South Wales.
The city has an immediate sense of wealth, not just from the luxurious cars, and prim, flowered canal-side terraces. People certainly walk with a sense of importance, including some of the young students.
I noticed that the population are heavily be-scarfed. In The Kings Arms, my attention was drawn to their coat rack as it was burgeoning with piled scarfs, draped on top of one another and spilling over onto nearby fixtures. After a delicious local ale and stepping back onto the streets, I observed that nearly everyone in the city had a scarf, loosely, fashionably thrown around their neck- surely all a conspiracy to mark me as a tourist.
Perhaps part of Oxford’s charm is that people dress for the position of Oxford resident. You could pluck someone from the streets of Oxford today and drop them in the 19th century, and they wouldn’t look out of place. A place where you expect to find horn-rimmed glasses wearing, tweed donned, wool jumpered, Italian leather shod characters. I suspect many find great joy in living their role in this romantic play of academia and sophistication.
Places to Be
I spent my time drifting about street by street. It’s a small city and you get to know the layout pretty quickly. Ducking into stationery shops such as the extravagant Scriptum, the crisp hardware store Objects of Use (filled with beautiful gardening implements, enamel mugs, penknives, and wooden children’s toys), or recuperating in New Ground Coffee over a flat white.
As the sun became low in the sky, rich gold light streamed through Broad Street, cutting between the mighty Bodleian Library and Blackwells bookshop to the North, and the Sheldonian Theatre on the South. I chatted to some locals, camera in hand, and dived into making street portraits.
Portraits
What a fantastic place to take people’s photos- well dressed, energetic, beautiful architecture, and gorgeous light. The first few snaps, as always, didn’t quite land. But before long, a group of students coyly ask me if I can take their photo. Of course, I obliged, and it became the perfect warm up.
A couple of group shots and some spontaneous snaps and I’ve hit my stride. An intriguing fellow called Vedat, double ear piercings, tousled dark hair, ready to roll a cigarette, is bustling past. I take his picture, and then strike up conversation - we go for coffee the next day in Missing Bean, where we talk politics, Oxford, and books.
An elderly couple next, another student, then, without realising, I accidentally captured Emma Watson. The pictures weren’t great, and it was only the next day I realised who it was- her friend was understandably indignant.
I spent the rest of my time in Oxford dawdling along the canals, watching houseboats bob lightly and geese peck at seeds scattered by residents, bicyclists rolling over steep arched bridges and tractors mowing pristine cricket fields.
Hilair Belloc said,
“There are few greater temptations on earth than to stay permanently at Oxford in meditation, and to read all the books in the Bodleian.”
Oxford feels old, but not weathered, powerful but not imposing, pretty but not indulgent- you really do want to stay, to read books, to think.
For that reason, I am planning my next trip already.
Consider following me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_hannigan/
Wine and Cheese
A look back at some early photography, with some travel writing attached. This first spread was from a trip to North Wales with my partner while she was pregnant. We hopped in the camper and headed off- me with my dad’s old Praktica camera and a single roll of film. No expectations from the photography, I was quite happy snapping away.
Lately, I’ve been journaling more consistently. Writing and photography go together like cheese and wine, or bread and butter. They of course exist on their own but the sum is so much great that their parts it’s starting to feel inconceivable that I haven’t always been making detailed notes.
It transforms some holiday pictures into real memories. Memories others can enjoy, whether they are your decendents in the future, friends and family, or strangers on the internet. Pictures may paint a 1000 words, but whose words? What happened everywhere outside those little frame lines? Before and after the shutter fired?
I’m trying to answer those questions, to carry you along with the experience, and add depth to two dimensions.
Page 2 and 3 of Gogledd, a printed zine I made for our own records
